Apparatus and method for providing dynamic communications network traffic control

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for controlling traffic on a communications network include dynamic and flexible control plans that enable service providers to control or influence customer access to communications facilities. Communications facilities are monitored to identify network elements, such as cell sites, that are overloaded. When the traffic intensity on a particular facility exceeds a predetermined level, either active or passive control is imposed on subscribers that are in the geographic area of the facility. Active control involves blocking, delaying or disrupting subscriber calls during the critical time period. Passive control involves providing cost incentives or disincentives during low or peak periods of traffic intensity. Customers are notified of the commencement and/or termination of active or passive control preferably via SMS. When implemented with stationary cellular service, the systems and methods aid in traffic engineering and provide opportunities for customers to reduce the cost and increase the accessibility of telephone service.

RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is related to and incorporates in its entiretythe co-pending application entitled, Apparatus and Method for ProvidingReduced Cost Cellular Service, which was filed concurrently with thisapplication, and is owned by the assignee of this application.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to telecommunications, and moreparticularly, to systems and methods for providing reduced cost cellularservice by minimizing the cost of equipment, activation and service.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] “Plain old telephone service” (POTS) is ubiquitous in much of theworld today. For a variety of reasons, however, cellular technologysometimes provides an attractive alternative to POTS, even for customersthat do not need the mobility that cellular service inherently provides.For example, a low-income customer such as a college student may besomewhat transient, making repeated initiation and termination of POTScostly and inconvenient. The college student may share an apartment,rent a portion of someone else's home, or otherwise live in a situationin which expensive and intrusive rewiring of an additional POTS linewould be unwelcome.

[0004] Provision of POTS requires the service provider to invest ininfrastructure, such as placement and maintenance of buried and aerialtelephone wire and cable, and of associated facilities. A significantportion of the populace may not have access to such an infrastructure.Even where the infrastructure exists, poor maintenance, and ruggedconditions can impact the level of services. Thus, in some rural regionsor developing countries, POTS is either unavailable or unreliable, withfrequent outages and poor quality, even as compared to cellular service.

[0005] In these and other instances, cellular service would bepreferable to POTS. Cellular service can be provided without installingand maintaining physical interconnections between the provider and thecustomer. The upfront and ongoing cost differentials between cellularservice and POTS, however, present an entry barrier for many customers.The cost differentials are primarily attributable to the relativelyexpensive components in most cellular telephones, to labor and equipmentrequired to activate the cellular telephone, and to monthly servicecharges for cellular service.

[0006] A typical cellular telephone includes a rechargeable battery,battery charging components, a display screen, an antenna, andelectronic elements for providing continuous service while “handing-off”from one cell site to another. A basic non-cellular “land-line”telephone requires none of these elements to provide access to POTS, andthus is less expensive to manufacture. In fact, a cellular telephone canretail for several times the price of a basic land-line telephone.

[0007] The cost of cellular service is typically exacerbated by the“overhead” expenses incurred by the cellular service provider (CSP).Although cellular service is provided by a CSP, the customer typicallypurchases the cellular telephone from a retailer, such as an officesupply or electronics store. Each cellular telephone must then beactivated prior to first use.

[0008] In a typical approach, at the point of sale, the retailercollects the customer information that is required for activation. Theinformation collected may include name, address, home telephone number,office telephone number, social security or other identification number,and payment information. The retailer then sends this information to acustomer activation center (CAC). The CAC performs a credit check,assigns a cellular telephone number, and relays the cellular telephonenumber back to the retailer. The retailer then programs the cellulartelephone number into the cellular telephone.

[0009] Either or both the retailer and the CAC receive a fee forperforming or arranging for a cellular telephone number or programmingthe cellular telephone number into the cellular telephone. Thus, theneed for an intermediate business or organization to obtain a cellulartelephone number or to program the cellular telephone increases the costto the customer or decreases the revenue to the CSP.

[0010] In another approach, the customer may order the cellulartelephone through the mail or may purchase it directly from a retailerthat does not perform the activation sequence. When the cellulartelephone arrives, the customer must arrange to obtain a cellulartelephone number for the cellular telephone and to program the cellulartelephone number into the cellular telephone. To do so, the customer maydirectly call the CAC, either using the cellular telephone or anothertelephone. If the customer calls using the cellular telephone, thecellular telephone has a dummy Mobile Identification Number (MIN) whichpermits access to the cellular telephone network. This featureeliminates the need for the services of an intermediate business ororganization because the customer communicates directly with the CAC.The CAC performs the credit check and assigns the cellular telephonenumber to the cellular telephone. The customer then manually programsthe cellular telephone number into the cellular telephone, either byusing the instruction manual or by listening to instructions from theCAC. In some instances, the cellular telephone is programmed to allowthe CAC to remotely program the cellular telephone number into thecellular telephone. The need for the retailer or a service provider toprogram the cellular telephone is thereby eliminated.

[0011] Some customers encounter difficulty in performing the programmingbecause of unfamiliarity with the concept of programming, or because ofinadequate instructions in or loss of the instruction manual. Inaddition, for the CAC to assist the customer in programming the cellulartelephone, the customer must be able to tell the CAC the make and, insome instances, the model of the cellular telephone. The make may beobvious if the cellular telephone is sold under the label of themanufacturer, but may not be obvious if the cellular telephone was soldunder a private label. The model number, and any revision number, maynot be listed or may be difficult to determine without opening the caseof the cellular telephone, which may void the warranty. Consequently, acustomer may find the self-programming approach somewhat frustrating.

[0012] In addition to up-front costs, cellular service may also beimpracticable for some customers due to monthly service fees. Cellularservice providers must also be responsive to the market demand for lowercellular rates. This demand is evidenced by frequent new and/or specialrate plans advertised by various cellular service providers who mustcompete for customers as the market becomes saturated with cellularusers.

[0013] Cellular customers typically pay a flat fee for service, and anadditional fee based on the number of airtime minutes that the customerhas used. Other cellular service plans may require the customer topurchase a bulk quantity of airtime minutes, for which the customer mustpay even if the airtime is not actually used. Customers who choose topay “by the minute” typically receive rates that are less favorable thanrates available to those who purchase airtime in bulk. Furthermore,customers who choose to purchase airtime in bulk further reduce perminute rates by purchasing increasingly larger blocks of minutes.However, these bulk purchasers effectively ensure that their cellulartelephone bills will never be lower than the minimum quantity of minutespurchased.

[0014] Airtime rates also typically vary based upon the time of day andday of the week. CSPs impose different rates at different times as partof the process of “traffic engineering.” Traffic engineering involvescalculating and controlling the amount and location of communicationsequipment required to handle communications traffic, includingtelephone, voice, data, images, and video. Rather than simply installingexpensive communications equipment to keep pace with traffic, many CSPsattempt to control expenditures by controlling the traffic. To encourage“peak shifting,” CSPs raise the per minute rates for cellular serviceduring peak periods. For instance, weekend rates are lower than weekdayrates, and nighttime rates are lower than daytime rates. These ratevariations enable the CSPs to increase the efficiency of capitalexpenditures on infrastructure, such as cell site installations.

[0015] Each CSP must statistically determine the times and days thattypically experience peak usage, and encourage customers to avoid usingcellular service during those periods. Once peak and off-peak intervalsare statistically established, the CSP creates rate schedulesaccordingly, which are then published to the customers of the CSP. Therate schedules typically impose the highest rates during statisticallypeak periods, which are usually weekday mornings and afternoons.Somewhat lower rates typically apply to statistically more moderateperiods, such as weekday evenings. The lowest rates typically apply tostatistically non-peak periods, such as weeknights and weekends. Actualusage patterns vary, however, according to any number of parameters,such as the season, local activities (such as major sporting events),holidays, highway traffic conditions, school terms, or the weather.Thus, a disadvantage of such statistics-based rate-making systems isthat a CSP's rate schedule may discourage customer usage during a “peak”period that is actually experiencing low call traffic, and may encouragecustomer usage during an “off-peak” period that is actually experiencinghigh call traffic. The variability in the correlation betweenstatistical prediction and actual call traffic can result in lostrevenues and network overloads. Statistics-based rate schedules are alsodisadvantageous for customers, who may be unnecessarily discouraged fromcalling during unfavorable rate periods, which may last for hours.

[0016] Thus, there is a need in the telecommunications industry forsystems and methods for providing telephone service that is lesscost-prohibitive than typical cellular service, and that does notrequire the infrastructure of POTS.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0017] Certain aspects and features of the various embodiments of thepresent invention address the problems described above with a cellularapparatus and service that is significantly less expensive to provide,easier to activate, and less expensive to operate. Reductions in costare achieved by streamlining the cellular device itself, automating theprocess of activating and servicing the cellular device, and byproviding more accurate and flexible rate plans and signals that enablethe customer and the service provider to control the cost of service.These measures reduce the cost of providing cellular service and servethe market demand for lower priced cellular service.

[0018] More specifically, one aspect of the present invention is atelephone that includes all of the features necessary to place telephonecalls, without certain features that are costly to provide. Forinstance, in one embodiment, the telephone is a stationary cellulardevice (SCD). The SCD lacks the unlimited handoff capability that allowsongoing cellular telephone conversations to be passed from any one cellsite to any other cell site. Instead, the SCD can only handoff betweencell sites in a predefined list of permissible cells. A list ofpermissible cell sites for a particular SCD is stored locally in amemory in the SCD. Whenever a call is attempted from the SCD, anoriginating cell identifier and a SCD identifier are cross-referenced ina network database that contains a remote version of the list ofpermissible cells for that SCD. Alternatively, the originating cellidentifier can be compared to the list of cell IDs stored in the memoryof the SCD. If the originating cell identifier is in the list ofpermissible cells for that SCD, the network permits the SCD to place thecall. Once a call is connected, the local list of permissible cellsdetermines whether the SCD can handoff to another cell site. The limitedhandoff feature enables the service provider to control use of systemresources, while enabling the user to handoff as needed to place andreceive calls in a fixed and predetermined area.

[0019] Another aspect of the various embodiments of the invention is aprocess for activating cellular service. Using an over-the-airactivation procedure, a cellular telephone or SCD powers on and places acall to a Customer Activation Center (CAC). The SCD communicatesidentifying information regarding the SCD and the customer to the CAC,which the CAC uses to authenticate the SCD. The identifying informationmay include a terminal or device identifier, and user information, suchas a social security number or customer ID. The identifying informationcan be used to validate the provision of service to the user by checkingthe user's credit, or confirming that the user has subscribed forservice. Authentication also involves associating a telephone numberwith the SCD.

[0020] In a process called “orientation,” the geographic location of theSCD is determined from data that is provided by the user or from dataprovided by a geopositioning system, such as a GPS or triangulationsystem. The CAC “provisions” the SCD by retrieving a list of cell IDsthat correspond to that geographic location, thereby identifying cellsites that the SCD has permission to access. The originating cell ID foreach subsequent call placed by the SCD is compared to this list ofpermissible cell IDs, and service is permitted or denied accordingly.

[0021] Yet another aspect of various embodiments of the inventionincludes flexible rate plans and real-time rate signals that benefit theCSP and the customer by providing real-time traffic control. As usedherein, the term “traffic” means the amount of activity during a givenperiod of time over a given communications network element, such as acircuit, cell site, trunk, line or group of lines, or communicationsswitch. The CSP can optimize its network by engineering the cellularnetwork specifically for reduced cost cellular service, rather thanovercompensating for statistical peaks in call traffic. Whenever calltraffic actually drives network capacity outside of an acceptable range,a CSP can control call traffic by transmitting favorable or prohibitivecost signals, or by delaying or disrupting service to appropriatesubscribers. In this manner, aspects of the invention facilitatepeak-shifting of customer usage according to actual fluctuations in calltraffic.

[0022] One aspect of various embodiments of traffic control ismonitoring by a Network Control Center (NCC), which can be a mobileswitching center (MSC). The Network Control Center monitors traffic atany or all of a plurality of network elements, such as other MSCs, cellsites, or central switching offices. The monitoring data accumulated bythe NCC is used to determine whether call traffic control measuresshould be implemented.

[0023] According to this aspect, when the NCC detects that the level ofcommunications traffic at a particular element creates a shortage ofcapacity, the NCC implements appropriate traffic control measures. Forexample, if a particular cell site becomes overloaded, calls placed bycustomers associated with that cell site (and of lower priority) arerestricted either actively or passively. To do so, the customersassociated with that cell site are identified. If those customers areSCD users, a database query can determine whether the affected cell siteis one of the permissible cell sites for those customers. Other users inthe affected area can be identified based on the relationship betweenthe proximity of the affected cell site and the users' location, whichcan be determined for example by querying a Home Location Register, orby GPS, triangulation or other locating means.

[0024] In certain embodiments, the traffic control aspect of theinvention is implemented by notifying the customer at the instant a lowcall traffic period is detected by the CSP. The notification includes anindication that lower rates are available during the low call trafficperiod. The indication can be provided by a visual, audible, or tactilealert means, such as but not limited to a tone emanating from thehandset, a text message or icon on a telephone display, an incoming callto the customer, vibration emanating from the handset, voicemail, or anaudible broadcast message. The notification may specify a fixed intervalduring which lower rates are available, or a second notification maycancel the reduced rate period. The customer may take advantage of theoffer of lower rates by responding to the notification or by simplyplacing a call after receiving notification. This aspect of theinvention can also be implemented with control plans that provideflexible levels of service—that is, levels of service that varyaccording to the rates paid by the customer. Flexible service levels canbe implemented dynamically, or at initiation of the customer-CSPrelationship. For example, the customer may subscribe at a control planthat offers a lower level of service at lower rates than regular controlplans. The lower level of service is manifested when, during periods atwhich call traffic is critically high, the customer's ability to place acall is strictly controlled by the CSP. The customer's call may beblocked altogether, or the call may be delayed until network capacityrises above a predetermined level. The customer's ability to continue anongoing call may also be controlled, such as by the CSP disrupting acall in progress due to critical call traffic conditions. Although theseaspects of the present invention are described in relation to cellularservice, the aspects are also applicable to landline applications, suchas long distance telephone service, or other wireless applications, suchas wireless email, internet, and text paging.

[0025] These and other objects, features, and/or advantages accrue fromvarious aspects of embodiments of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form apart of the specification, illustrate certain embodiments of the presentinvention and, together with the description, disclose various featuresand aspects of the invention. In the drawings:

[0027]FIG. 1 is a schematic of the stationary cellular device (SCD)according to various embodiments of the invention;

[0028]FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary activation environmentof an embodiment of the invention;

[0029]FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an exemplary call traffic controlenvironment according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0030]FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the operation of the stationary cellulardevice, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0031]FIG. 5 is a graphical illustration of a control scheme accordingto an embodiment of the invention;

[0032]FIG. 6 is a graphical illustration of another control schemeaccording to an embodiment of the invention; and

[0033]FIG. 7 is a graphical illustration of yet another control schemeaccording to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0034] The Stationary Cellular Device (SCD)

[0035]FIG. 1 is a schematic of an exemplary stationary cellular device(SCD) 100. The SCD 100 includes many of the components common to atypical cellular or cordless telephone. The SCD 100 typically includes ahandset (not separately shown), including an earpiece and a mouthpiece.Separate from or integrated with the handset, the SCD 100 includes abase 102. The base 102 houses a transmitter 104, a cellular receiver106, a baseband processor 108, memory 110, an acoustic transducer 112, aspeaker 114, an AC/DC power converter 116, an antenna 118, andoptionally, a rechargeable or replaceable battery 120. A keypad 122 isintegrated with to the base 102, handset, or both. The keypad 122includes buttons 124 common to telephone keypads, and may optionallyinclude a screen. In “corded” embodiments, the handset of the SCD 100may be physically connected to the base 102 via a standard telephonehandset cord. Alternatively, the SCD 100 may be “cordless” in that thehandset communicates with the base 102 wirelessly.

[0036] In a first cordless embodiment of the SCD, the base includes twoantennae. A first antenna transmits and receives cellular signals to andfrom one or more cell sites. The term “cell site” refers to alow-powered radio transmitter/receiver that serves one geographic unitof the cellular system. A second antenna transmits and receives radiowaves to and from a cordless handset. In a second cordless embodiment, asingle base antenna transmits and receives cellular signals to and fromcell sites, as well as radio waves to and from the cordless handset. Ina third cordless embodiment, the handset and base communicate with oneanother with extremely low power calls over predetermined cellularchannels. In this third cordless embodiment, the CSP reserves a portionof a block of proprietary cellular frequencies for extremely short rangecommunications. Communicating with the base over these reservedfrequency channels reduces the potential for interference from nearbyconventional cordless or cellular devices.

[0037] The SCD is preferably capable of performing a very limitedhandoff function between selected cell sites that serve the home orfixed environment so that the SCD operates well inside a home or otherfixed environment. Without some handoff ability, the cellular receivercould not compensate for fading that occurs when a customer moves fromone area to another within the environment, or when the environmentitself changes. The cellular device must handoff, for example, when thecellular device leaves the service range of one permissible cell siteand enters the service range of another permissible cell site. One cellsite may be appropriate for calls made from the front of a home, whileanother cell site may be appropriate for calls made from the rear of ahome. Handoff capability is also required to compensate for fluctuationsin cell site capacity and power, and for the reflectivity of radiowaves. The limited handoff function does not support unlimited handoffor roaming, however. Limiting handoff or roaming capability can reducethe cost of the device, and enables the SCP to control the utilizationof the network.

[0038] To limit the handoff function of the SCD, a stationary cellularapplication within the baseband processor 108 of the SCD compares thecell identifier (cell ID) of one or more accessible cell sites with alist of one or more permissible cell IDs that is preferably stored inthe memory 110 of the SCD 100. Thus, the list of permissible cell IDsserves at least two major purposes: the list of permissible cell IDs 1)limits the geographic area from which the customer is permitted to placecalls using that particular SCD, and 2) identifies the cell sites withinthat geographic area between which the SCD may handoff during an ongoingcall. The SCD receives a list of permissible cell IDs during the“activation” process, which is described below in more detail. The listof permissible cell IDs is maintained in a network element of thecellular system, but is also preferably stored in the memory element ofthe SCD. Substantially less memory is required to support the stationarycellular application than is required to support typical cellular phonefeatures, such as caller ID, memory dialing and text paging. Thus, asmaller memory element can be installed in the SCD so the cost of theSCD is less than a typical cellular device. The fixed cellularapplication maintains the list of permissible cell IDs, and restrictsthe SCD from handing-off to cell IDs that do not appear in the list ofpermissible cell IDs for that SCD.

[0039] Alternatively, the list of permissible cell IDs can be maintainedentirely at the network level. In other words, rather than storing thelist of permissible cell IDs in the SCD and controlling handoff usingthe fixed cellular application, a network level application can controlhandoff during an ongoing call.

[0040] The SCD application preferably searches for and utilizes thepermissible cell site that has the strongest signal, as is common inconventional cellular communications standards, but may also search forthe closest available permissible cell site. In some geographic areas,the CSP provides “macro cells” and “micro cells.” Most often, a macrocell provides service for the bulk of the cellular customers in itsservice area. If the macro cell is overloaded, then one or more microcells provides “overflow” capacity to the macro cell by carrying some ofthe macro cell's calls. At least a limited handoff capability is neededfor the SCD to switch from a macro cell to a micro cell.

[0041] Activation

[0042] As mentioned above, the SCD must be activated before the SCD isused for the first time.

[0043] In certain embodiments of the invention, over-the-air activationprocedures are used to activate the SCD. An example of such a procedureis described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,887,253, which is incorporated byreference. The process of activation involves the process ofauthentication, which includes the SCD-specific steps of orientation,and provisioning. The steps do not necessarily have to be executed in aparticular order. The activation process preferably also involvesseveral elements of a cellular network. Each element may be a componentof one or more physical network devices.

[0044]FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary activation environmentof an embodiment of the invention. The activation environment preferablyincludes a CAC 202 and one or more cell sites 204, an MSC 206 or otherswitching center, and an HLR 208. The CAC 202 may be integrated with theMSC 206, which also contains and/or communicates with an ApplicationPlatform 210, an I.T. System 212, an I.T. Database 213, an ApplicationDatabase 214, and an Engineering Map Database 216.

[0045] The activation process begins when the SCD 100 is powered on.Until the SCD 100 is activated, any call attempted is preferablyautomatically routed to an activation center, such as the CAC 202. TheSCD user communicates with the CAC 202 via the most appropriate cellsite 204, preferably by placing a telephone call to a dedicated SCDactivation telephone number. The SCD activation telephone number ispreferably preprogrammed into the SCD 100, or included in theinstructions for the SCD 100.

[0046] According to an embodiment of the invention, the SCD 100 is“pre-activated,” in that identifying information, including a subscriberidentifier (ID), is pre-assigned and stored within the SCD 100 prior topurchase by the customer. North American cellular protocol systems, suchas the analog AMPS, IS-95 CDMA, and IS-136 TDMA systems, use a telephonenumber as the subscriber identifier. GSM (Global System for MobileCommunications) countries assign an International Mobile SubscriberIdentifier (IMSI), which is distinct from the phone number.

[0047] Once the communications session has been initiated, the SCD 100transmits the identifying information to the CAC 202. The identifyinginformation preferably also includes a terminal (device) identifier(such as an Electronic Serial Number (ESN), or International MobileEquipment Identifier (IMEI). The terminal ID and subscriber ID aretransmitted to a switching center 206, such as a switch or a mobileswitching center (MSC). The switching center 206 provides services andcoordination between customers in the network and external networks. Theswitching center 206 shown in FIG. 2 is a mobile switching center (MSC).

[0048] The majority of the steps for authenticating service for the SCD100 occur according to an authentication protocol for mobile andtelecommunications networks. If the subscriber ID is not used as thetelephone number, the MSC 206 uses the subscriber ID to procure a mobilestation integrated services digital network number (MSISDN). The MSISDNis procured from a home location register (HLR) 208. Authentication mayinclude verification of customer identity and credit worthiness,exchange of payment information, and validation of the integrity of thedevice.

[0049] The authentication procedure for an SCD 100 includes anadditional sequence, in which the MSC 206 triggers invocation of anAuthentication Application. The Authentication Application supplantsunnecessary processes in standard authentication protocols with theSCD-specific authentication processes (orientation and provisioning)controlled by an Application Platform 210.

[0050] In the HLR 208, a record exists for every service available tothe SCD 100, including call features. In the environment shown, the HLR208 is populated by the IT System 212, which retrieves data from an ITDatabase 213. The HLR 208 also recognizes a set of conditions astriggers such as terminating triggers, originating call triggers, andauthentication triggers. A trigger is invoked in response a request toadd, change, delete, or retrieve an associated data element. Eachtrigger corresponds to an application resident on the ApplicationPlatform 210.

[0051] In certain embodiments, the HLR recognizes receipt of identifyinginformation as an authentication trigger. The authentication triggercauses the HLR 208 to instruct the MSC 206 to send the subscriber ID,terminal ID, and MSISDN (if applicable) to the Application Platform 210.The Application Platform 210 runs the Authentication Application (notshown), which performs orientation and provisioning functions. TheApplication Platform 210 queries an Application Database 214 thatcontains at least a subset of all existing cell IDs. The AuthenticationApplication selects from the Application Database 214 a list ofpermissible cell IDs for that SCD 100, based on the geographic locationof the SCD (as determined in the orientation process). In theprovisioning process, the list of permissible cell IDs is communicatedback to the SCD 100. Each time the customer subsequently originates acall using that SCD 100, the HLR 208 again instructs the MSC 206 to sendthe identifying information to the Application Platform 210. Theoriginating trigger invokes an “originating call” application thatdetermines whether the originating cell ID (i.e., the cell ID associatedwith the geographic origin of the call) is in the list of permissiblecell IDs for that SCD 100. If the originating cell ID is in the list ofpermissible cell IDs, the Application Platform informs the MSC 206,which then provides service authorization so that the customer maycomplete the call. If the originating cell ID is not in the list ofpermissible cell IDs, then the MSC 206 is directed to deny service, andthe Authentication Application determines whether the SCD 100 haspermission to be re-activated.

[0052] Provisioning (i.e., limiting authorization of an originated callto a predetermined list of permissible cell IDs) prevents the SCD 100from being used outside of a designated area, defined by a location ID.The Application Platform 210 determines which of all existing cell IDsare permissible by comparing the geographic location of the SCD 100 atthe time the customer initiates the activation sequence with a set ofassociated cell IDs. The geographic location is located in thefunctional equivalent of a look-up table containing cell IDs and thegeographic areas served by the cell sites associated with the cell IDs.The list of permissible cell IDs is preferably transmitted to the SCD100 via a programmable short message, or “SMS” (Short Message Service).

[0053] In the orientation process, the geographic location isdetermined, preferably using a global positioning system (GPS). Forinstance, CSPs typically maintain an engineering radio frequency mapdatabase (ERFMD) 216. An ERFMD 216 is part of a software applicationthat predicts and empirically assesses cellular signal strength byanalyzing the power output and frequency channels of cell sites in viewof the terrain of the surrounding area. Cell IDs for those cell sitesthat are capable of serving the associated geographic area are thenmapped to postal addresses, latitudes, and longitudes. The ERFMD 216assists system engineers in optimizing placement of cell sites, and to“tune” the network to control the quality of cellular service.

[0054] Alternatively, the geographic location can be determined usingtriangulation based upon the signal received from the SCD. Three or morecell sites in the vicinity of the SCD

[0055] According to certain embodiments of the invention, the functionalequivalent of an ERFMD 216 is utilized to identify the cell IDs thatshould be included in the list of permissible cell IDs for a given SCD100. The functional equivalent of a relatively inexpensive GPS receiveris integrated into the SCD 100. The GPS receiver determines the locationID by calculating the precise position of the SCD 100. A correspondinglist of cell IDs is retrieved from the ERFMD 216. The SCD 100 preferablycommunicates its position to the MSC 206, which transmits the positionto the ERFMD 216 during the over-the-air activation procedure, althoughother modes of communication can be employed.

[0056] System design rules control assignment of cell IDs to a given SCD100. For instances, an SCD 100 can be associated with a certain numberof cell IDs, cell IDs within a geographic radius, or cell IDs with aminimum amount of available capacity.

[0057] In an alternative embodiment, the geographic location isdetermined based upon customer input at the time of activation. Forinstance, the activation sequence may prompt the customer to indicatehis or her location using interactive voice response (IVR) and/ortouchtone inputs. The customer's inputs are translated into a locationID. The customer's billing and other demographic data can also beobtained during activation, using the same input methods.

[0058] In yet another embodiment, the geographic location is determinedbased on the RF (radio frequency) signal received from the SCD bysurrounding cell sites. Each of the surrounding cell sites detects thestrength of the signal emitted by the SCD, and the original transmitpower level from the SCD. The signal strength and transmit power levelare used to determine the bit error rate of the signal. Each of thesurrounding cell sites sends the bit error rate information associatedwith the SCD to the Application Platform, which determines the locationof the SCD using a location algorithm.

[0059] After initial activation of the SCD 100, the ability of acustomer to change the location ID, and thus, the permissible list ofcell IDs is controlled using a flexible rule set. The flexible rule setprohibits changes, for example, during a given timeframe or of a givendegree, or imposes a financial disincentive upon the customer. Thiscontrol is necessary to prevent the customer from circumventing thelimited handoff function of the SCD 100 by repeating the activationprocedure each time the customer changes geographic locations. Theflexibility of the rule set permits the customer to rectify inadvertenterrors committed during the activation procedure.

[0060] The authentication process occurs each time the SCD is poweredon. The orientation process should only occur if no list of permissiblecell IDs has been established, if the originating cell ID is not in thelist of permissible cell IDs, and if permission is granted through theauthentication process to “re-orient.” The provisioning process shouldonly occur in limited circumstances, such as the first time the SCD ispowered on, when permissible cell IDs are added or removed at thenetwork level, or when the customer moves or transfers ownership of theSCD. Re-orientation can be permitted when the SCD “permanently” movesfrom one geographic location to another. For example, the customer maybe required to periodically “re-provision” the SCD, so that the list ofpermissible cell IDs stored in the memory of the SCD is updated with anynew cell IDs that have been associated with the customer's location ID.The flexible rule set discourages re-provisioning if the change ingeographic location is temporary.

[0061] Operation

[0062]FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the operation of the stationary cellulardevice 100, according to an embodiment of the invention. At 400, the SCDis powered on. At 402, identifying information is sent from the SCD tothe MSC. At 404, either the MSC or the SCD determines whether the SCDhas been activated. This determination can be made by any number ofappropriate mechanisms, such as checking for an initialization flagstored in the memory of the SCD or in the Application Database, or bydetermining whether a set of permissible cell IDs has previously beendownloaded to the SCD. If the SCD has not been activated, theorientation and provisioning processes of authentication, describedherein, are performed at 406 and 408. If the SCD has been previouslyactivated, at 410, the originating cell ID of the attempted call ischecked against the set of permissible cell IDs for that SCD at least inpart to ensure that the customer is calling from an originating cell IDthat corresponds to a cell ID in the customer's list of permissible cellIDs.

[0063] In certain embodiments of the invention, this “originating callID check” occurs within the SCD. In these embodiments, the SCD receivesthe originating cell ID from the originating cell site or from the MSC.An application stored within the SCD then compares the originating ID tothe list of permissible cell IDs stored within the SCD. If theoriginating cell ID is in the list of permissible cell IDs, the SCDsends an authentication indicator (such as a flag) to the MSC. Theauthentication indicator indicates that the call is allowable, andenables the MSC, at 412, to route the call to its intended recipient. Ifthe originating ID is not in the list of permissible cell IDs, then inthese embodiments, operation proceeds from 410 to 416 and the SCDterminates the attempted call (414 is not applicable).

[0064] In other embodiments, the originating call ID check occurs at thenetwork level. Upon attempting a call, the SCD communicates identifyinginformation to the MSC, which causes the Application Platform to comparethe originating cell ID to the list of permissible cell IDs, which canbe obtained from the Application Database based on the terminal ID ofthe SCD. If the originating cell ID is not in the list of permissiblecell IDs, then at 414, the Authentication Application determines whetherre-activation is permissible, according to flexible rules imposed by theCSP. The flexible rules may allow re-activation at set intervals, uponpayment of a fee, or when the customer has made arrangements with theCSP to re-activate the SCD. If re-activation is not permissible, then at416, the MSC terminates the attempted call.

[0065] Once a call is connected, the SCD application uses the list ofpermissible cell IDs stored within the SCD to determine permissiblehandoff cell sites.

[0066] Call Traffic Control

[0067] To further reduce customer and provider costs associated withcellular service, systems and methods for providing real-time calltraffic control are provided. According to certain embodiments of theinvention, upon attempting to place a call, customer identificationinformation is communicated to the MSC 206. The subscriber ID or otheridentifying information preferably indicates the control plan to whichthe customer subscribes. The customer's control plan dictates thecontrol measures that the customer has typically agreed to accept inexchange for lower rates. Referring to FIG. 3, each cellular network hasa Network Control Center (NCC) 300, which can be an MSC 206 (or thefunctional equivalent). Occupancy data is relayed to the NCC 300. Theoccupancy data indicates the traffic offered and carried at variouslevels of communications network elements or sub-elements. In a cellularnetwork, these network elements are “cellular facilities,” which caninclude individual or groups of cell sites, MSCs, or RF channels. In alandline system, the network elements include POTS facilities such ascentral offices and trunks. For example, the occupancy data at each MSC206, cell site 204, and RF channel in each cell site on the cellularnetwork can be communicated to the NCC 300. An algorithm at the NCC 300translates the occupancy data into traffic intensity, which is typicallya measure of the average occupancy of the particular network elementwhich is to carry the call. Traffic intensity is preferably expressedusing an Erlang formula, such as the Erlang B probability of blockingP_(b): $P_{b} = \frac{E^{N}/{N!}}{\sum\limits_{k = 0}^{N}{E^{k}/{K!}}}$

[0068] where:

[0069] E (traffic intensity)=λ t_(h) Erlangs,

[0070] λ=call arrival rate (calls/hour),

[0071] t_(h)=mean holding time (hours/call), and

[0072] N=total number of channels.

[0073] A traffic intensity of one Erlang means the cell site has beencontinuously occupied during the time period under consideration.Traffic intensity can be calculated using any effective mathematicalexpression, such as Erlang C, centum call seconds (CCS), or capacityfactor.

[0074] The NCC 300 passes the traffic intensity data to a TrafficEngineering Application 302, which processes the traffic intensity datato monitor the traffic on the cellular network. The Traffic EngineeringApplication 302 populates a Traffic Engineering Database 304 with datathat quantifies the traffic level seen by the NCC 300. One appropriatemetric is the probability of blocking P_(b) for each cell site, by cellID, and by MSC 206. Traffic intensity data from multiple NCCs 300 can beprocessed and stored in the Traffic Engineering Database 304.

[0075] The CSP launches a Traffic Control Application from theApplication Platform 210. The Traffic Control Application extracts datafrom the Traffic Engineering Database 304, preferably in real time.Based on the traffic intensity (also known as the Grade of Service), theTraffic Control Application then applies a set of rules to determinewhether traffic control measures should be implemented in a particulargeographic area.

[0076] According to various aspects of certain embodiments of theinvention, if the probability of blocking P_(b) indicates a shortage ofcapacity on a cell or group of cells, then the Traffic ControlApplication queries the HLR 208 and retrieves a list of affectedcellular devices that are in the affected area and associated withsubscriber IDs that are to be controlled. The Traffic ControlApplication instructs the affected MSC 206 and the HLR 208 to implementthe appropriate passive or active control scheme until the trafficintensity condition improves. In addition, the Traffic ControlApplication notifies the IT System 212 of the commencement of a controlperiod for those particular customers. This notification is communicatedto a billing application so the prices charged to the customerscorrespond to the control scheme that is implemented.

[0077] According to various embodiments of control schemes of thepresent invention, each customer subscribes to a control plan associatedwith a grade of service (GOS). As an example, customers subscribing atthe most permissive grade of service (GOS0) may never be controlled,that is, purposefully discouraged or prevented from placing calls.However, all other grades of service are subject to varying degrees ofcontrol as the network becomes more congested. Typically, the grades ofservice that are subject to more control are more affordable. FIG. 5shows the relationship between affected customers and networkcongestion, according to one such control scheme. In one embodiment, afirst control point C1 is reached when the probability of blocking P_(b)exceeds a certain value, such as 0.5, which indicates that the cell siteis 50% occupied. A second control point C2 is reached when theprobability of blocking P_(b) exceeds higher value, such as 0.65, whichindicates that the cell site is 65% occupied. An nth control point Cn isreached when the probability of blocking P_(b) exceeds a predefinedabsolute maximum n. Both the probability of blocking that defines eachcontrol point and the number of control points are variable according tothe CSP's requirements at the time control is implemented. The values ofP_(b) in the examples are given to illustrate the use of multiplecontrol points, and not to establish preferences as to particularcontrol schemes or number of control points.

[0078] At control point C1, the CSP either passively or activelycontrols the traffic of calls placed by customers subscribing to acontrol plan that corresponds to that grade of service. These customerswill be referred to as “GOS1” customers, because at control point C1,customers subscribing to control plans that fall within grade of service1 will be controlled for the first time. At control point C2, the CSPeither passively or actively controls the traffic of calls of GOS2customers. In addition, at control point C2, the CSP continues tocontrol GOS1 customers, and may increase the severity of the control,such as by switching from passive to active control. At control pointPn, the CSP may elect to actively control the traffic of calls placed byall customers subscribing to any reduced cost control plan.

[0079] Control points can be established and implemented system wide, orcan vary by cell site, geographic area, season, time of day, or otherparameter. In other words, the CSP can determine that a 5% probabilityof blocking P_(b) is acceptable on weekends, but not on weekdays.

[0080] Certain embodiments of the invention implement active control ofcall traffic by limiting or denying some customers' access of thenetwork during periods of increased call traffic. In an example of anactive control scheme according to these embodiments, if the probabilityof blocking P_(b) at a given cell site has reached control point C1,then the number and/or duration of calls placed by GOS1 customers inthat area can be limited to predetermined maximum values. If thecongestion on the network causes the probability of blocking P_(b) toreach control point C2, GOS1 customers are denied service altogether,and GOS2 customers are prevented from exceeding maximums for numberand/or duration of calls placed during the period of control. As analternative to denying service, the CSP may delay the connection ofcalls placed by certain customers to prevent those customers from havingto attempt the calls repeatedly. Rather, the CSP can generate an audiblemessage that informs the customer that a call will be connected at alater time. Preferably, the customer may accept the delay, or cancel theattempt.

[0081] In an active control scheme, the CSP can elect to interruptservice to or limit the duration of calls that were underway prior tothe commencement of a call traffic control period. To mitigate theimpact on customer service, the CSP can notify the customer of animminent service disruption using any of the notification methodsdescribed hereinafter. After notification is given, the customer hassufficient time to conclude the ongoing telephone call before the callis disconnected.

[0082] Other embodiments of the invention implement passive control ofcall traffic by dynamically establishing rates according to the grade ofservice that corresponds to the customer's control plan. For instance,if at time t, the Traffic Control Application determines that theprobability of blocking P_(b) at a given cell site has reached controlpoint C1, GOS1 customers in that area must pay an increased rate toplace a call. The degree of this dynamic rate increase is calculated toachieve the desired effect of discouraging a given percentage ofaffected GOS1 customers from placing calls during the period that theincreased rate is applicable. To reduce call traffic, the affectedcustomers are notified at the same time as the rate increase isdynamically imposed. After the probability of call blocking P_(b) fallsbelow control point C1, signaling that the decrease in call traffic hasin fact occurred, the rate increase is reversed. GOS1 customers aresimilarly informed that the period of increased rates has ended or willend at a given time, or when the desired effect has been obtained.

[0083]FIG. 6 is a diagram of a passive control scheme, where increasingpremiums are added to the rates of particular tiers of customers ascapacity conditions erode. In the example shown, an initial 10% premiumis imposed on GOS1 customers when the probability of blocking P_(b)reaches control point C1. GOS2 customers are unaffected at control pointC1. At control point C2, GOS1 customers incur an additional 10% premium(for a total of 20%), while an initial 10% premium is imposed on GOS2customers. Both GOS1 customers and GOS2 customers are notified of theapplicable rate increases that apply at control point C2. Preferably,when the system capacity has reached a critical shortage condition atcontrol point Pn, the applicable premiums are sufficient to effectivelypreclude call traffic attributable to customers at the lowest grades ofservice.

[0084] Conversely, passive control can be implemented to encourageincreases in call traffic during periods of excess capacity. In thisinstance, increased call traffic is desirable to generate additionalrevenue, to optimize network utilization, and to allow customersopportunities to place more affordable discretionary calls. To increasecall traffic, the customer is notified that rate discounts will beimplemented for a period of time. At the end of the discount period, thecustomer will be notified that the discount no longer applies. Referringto FIG. 7, if the probability of blocking P_(b) at one or more givencell sites falls below a given discount point D1, some or all of thecustomers in the affected area are offered a discounted rate for calls.A discount point defines the traffic intensity level at which the CSPoffers a discount. The discount is applicable for a fixed period oftime, or expires when the probability of blocking P_(b) rises above D1.The discount may be implemented as a percentage reduction in rates, oras a pre-determined flat rate (e.g., 5 cents per minute). As thecapacity surplus increases, the discount increases. For instance, at D1,customers may receive a 50% rate reduction. If the probability ofblocking P_(b) falls further to D2, customers may receive a 75% ratereduction. In any case, the degree of the dynamic rate discount iscalculated to achieve the desired effect of encouraging customers toplace more calls during the period that the discount is applicable.

[0085] Various aspects of the embodiments of traffic control schemes canbe implemented in non-cellular applications, especially with respect tolong distance service. For non-cellular systems, the NCC determinestraffic parameters by monitoring loads on various network switches,network trunks between switches, distribution trunks from switches toend customers, network distribution points, and at network controlpoints. Customers can be notified of load-based variations in pricingusing one-way or two-way pagers, distinctive stutter dial tones,distinctive ringing, voicemail, outbound calls from an IVR, email,instant messaging, or any combination of these notification mechanisms.

[0086] Notification of the Commencement or Conclusion of Traffic Control

[0087] Customer notification of the increased or reduced calling ratesis preferably performed by sending a commencement message when theadjustment period begins, followed by a concluding message when theadjustment period ends. Notification can be accomplished with an SMSmessage to the customer's handset. If the handset has no display, thecustomer can receive notification via a tone or beep, similar to theaudible alert commonly used to indicate that a cellular customer has avoice message. If the handset has a display, notification can bereceived as a text message along with or in lieu of the audible tone.The text message includes a short description of the rate adjustment,such as “10% off all calls now” or “reduced rate ends in 2 minutes.” Anicon or other graphic can communicate the same information. For example,“$” can indicate a 10% rate increase, “$$$” can indicate a 30% rateincrease, and “−$$” can indicate a 20% rate reduction. Similarly,audible tones with different pitches can differentiate between anincrease as opposed to a discount; the number of tones can indicate theamount of the adjustment. Alternatively, a particular melody or aprerecorded message can designate commencement or conclusion of a periodof rate adjustment.

[0088] Rather than using an SMS message for notification of commencementor conclusion of a period of rate adjustment, a call can be placed toeach affected customer. When the customer answers the call, notificationis provided via a prerecorded message. This alternative is lessattractive for providing notification of temporary rate increases due tocapacity shortages, because the notification calls would furtherincrease the already elevated call traffic on the affected portion ofthe network.

[0089] The foregoing description of a preferred embodiments of theinvention has been presented only for the purpose of illustration anddescription and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit theinvention to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications andvariations are possible in light of the above teaching. For example, thenotification and control aspects of the invention are directed tocellular service, but can be implemented in any subscriber media, suchas POTS, text paging, wireless internet, long-distance, cable,satellite, and internet services. The term “call” includes anycommunications session initiated or received in any such subscribermedium. In addition, passive or active control of call traffic can beimplemented proactively or reactively. For example, a control scheme canbe implemented reactively by calculating the probability of blockingP_(b) on a given cell site only in response to an attempted call, andthen by imposing rate adjustments or denying service to that particularcustomer if warranted by the capacity situation at that particular time.

[0090] Various modifications are possible, including additions, changes,deletions as are suited to the particular use contemplated, withoutdeparting from the principles and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A traffic control system for controlling trafficon a communications network, the system comprising: a network controlcenter that receives traffic data associated with at least one elementof the communications network, and relays the traffic data to a trafficengineering database; a traffic engineering database that stores thetraffic data; and a traffic control application that, for each of thenetwork elements: extracts traffic data corresponding to the networkelement from the traffic engineering database; and determines at leastone traffic control measure to be imposed in a geographic locationassociated with the network element, based upon the traffic datacorresponding to the network element.
 2. The system of claim 1, whereinthe traffic control application further: retrieves a list of affectedcommunications devices that are associated with the geographic location,wherein a subscriber identifier associated with each affectedcommunications device indicates a degree of control the traffic controlmeasure exerts on that affected communications device; and implementsthe traffic control measure with respect to the affected communicationsdevices.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the traffic data indicatesthat a traffic intensity at the network element is outside of apredetermined range.
 4. The system of claim 2, wherein the trafficcontrol measure prevents the affected communications devices fromplacing calls.
 5. The system of claim 2, wherein the traffic controlmeasure alters a cost of placing calls from the affected communicationsdevices.
 6. The system of claim 2, wherein the network control centersends a message to the affected communications devices when the trafficcontrol measure is implemented.
 7. The system of claim 2, wherein thenetwork control center sends a message to the affected communicationsdevices when the traffic control measure is terminated.
 8. The system ofclaims 6 or 7, wherein the message is an SMS message.
 9. The system ofclaims 6 or 7, wherein the message is a call.
 10. The system of claims 6or 7, wherein the message causes the communications device to vibrate.11. The system of claims 6 or 7, wherein the message causes thecommunications device to emit a tone.
 12. The system of claim 1, whereinthe communications device is a telephone.
 13. The system of claim 1,wherein the communications device is a wireless device.
 14. The systemof claim 1, wherein the communications device is a stationary cellulardevice.
 15. A traffic control system for controlling traffic on acellular network, the system comprising: a plurality of cellularfacilities; a network control center that: receives occupancy dataassociated with each cellular facility; determines traffic intensity ateach cellular facility; and relays the traffic intensity to a trafficengineering database; a traffic engineering database that stores trafficintensity; and a traffic control application that: extracts the trafficintensity corresponding to a selected cellular facility from the trafficengineering database; and determines at least one traffic controlmeasure to be imposed in a geographic location associated with theselected cellular facility, based upon the traffic intensitycorresponding to the selected cellular facility.
 16. The system of claim15, wherein the cellular facility is a cell site.
 17. The system ofclaim 15, wherein the cellular facility is a mobile switching center(MSC).
 18. The system of claim 15, wherein the traffic controlapplication further: retrieves a list of affected cellular devices thatare associated with the geographic location associated with the selectedcellular facility; and implements the traffic control measure withrespect to the affected communications devices,
 19. The system of claim18, wherein the traffic control measure prevents the affected cellulardevices from placing calls.
 20. The system of claim 18, wherein thetraffic control measure alters a cost of placing calls from the affectedcellular devices.
 21. The system of claim 18, wherein the networkcontrol center sends a message to the affected cellular devices, themessage indicating that the traffic control measure is in effect. 22.The system of claim 21, wherein the message is an SMS message.
 23. Thesystem of claim 21, wherein the message is a call.
 24. A method forimplementing rates based on traffic on a communications network,comprising: monitoring traffic intensity of a plurality of networkelements; if the traffic intensity at a selected network element isoutside a predetermined range, retrieving a list of affectedcommunications devices that are associated with the network element; andimplementing a traffic control measure according to a control planassociated with each affected communications device.
 25. The method ofclaim 24, wherein the traffic control measure prevents each of theaffected communications devices from placing a call.
 26. The method ofclaim 24, wherein the traffic control measure alters a cost of placing acall from each of the affected communications devices.
 27. The method ofclaim 24, further comprising sending a message to each of the affectedcommunications devices to indicate that the traffic control measure isin effect.
 28. The method of claim 27, wherein sending the messagecomprises sending an SMS message to each of the affected communicationsdevices.
 29. The method of claim 27, wherein sending the messagecomprises placing a call.
 30. The method of claim 27, wherein sendingthe message comprises causing the communications device to vibrate. 31.The method of claim 27, wherein sending the message comprises causingthe communications device to emit a tone.